Washington, Nov. 21, (dpa/GNA) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo plans to meet with Taliban negotiators on Saturday, at a time when the inter-Afghan peace process has stalled despite a US deal reached earlier this year.
Pompeo’s public schedule released on Friday lists separate talks with both Taliban and Afghan government negotiators during a trip to Qatar.
The US-Taliban deal signed on February 29 aimed to pave the way for a gradual withdrawal of all international forces from Afghanistan.
In return, the Taliban committed to enter into intra-Afghan talks and renounce terrorism.
The historic talks between the government and the Taliban kicked off in mid-September in Doha. However, they have faced gridlock over procedural issues.
The US government transition after the victory of President-elect Joe Biden has also created doubts about the future of the process.
US President Donald Trump’s administration still has the power to carry out foreign policy moves ahead of inauguration day on January 20.
GNA